28 Apr 2016

When one door closes, another opens, and with Divock Origi almost certainly out for the season, Liverpool 'powerhouse' Christian Benteke is on the verge of returning to action after a recent knee injury. Cometh the hour, cometh the man?

The Liverpool squad flew out to Spain today, and according to Sky Sports:

"Christian Benteke^ could return for Liverpool against Villarreal after travelling with the rest of the first-team squad to Spain, according to Sky sources".

"Benteke is ready to play some part in the [Villareal] game. We haven’t brought any tourists".

Klopp then outlined how he plans to approach the game:

"We've watched Villarreal five or six times. They defend in organised way. Patient enough to wait for mistakes and then use those mistakes. We will be prepared to play our best game".

Benteke may be 'ready to play', but with Daniel Sturridge in great form, and Firmino available, it's doubtful that he'll get much game time on Thursday.

First, Benteke won't be fully match-fit, so he'll have to work himself back into shape. Second, Sturridge and Firmino are way ahead of Benteke in the pecking order, so when he returns, the Belgian will probably resume his bit-part status.

Of course, Klopp could shock everyone by starting Benteke at Villareal, but that seems unlikely (!)